Fastener assembly and methods for its use

ABSTRACT

A fastener assembly comprises a frame element having a pair of sides and a shaped opening extending between the sides. The assembly also comprises a clasp having a base and a pair of arms extending from the base. One of the arms is an attachment arm having a release hole and an attachment hole for receiving a strap. The other arm has a detent that fits within the opening of the frame element when the arms are placed adjacent the sides of the frame element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of fasteners, andin particular to removable fasteners that may be coupled to a frame tofacilitate the attachment of an item to the frame. In one specificaspect, the invention relates to the use of fasteners with baby seats,among other uses.

[0002] Fasteners are used for a wide variety of applications. Examplesof common fasteners include zippers, buckles, clasps, D-rings and thelike. The type of fastener may depend on the given application. Forexample, zippers are often used to hold together pieces of fabric whenminimal stresses are exerted on the fabric. More durable fasteners maybe needed for more rugged applications.

[0003] Existing fasteners may not be suitable for many applications. Forexample, many fasteners may potentially pinch the user when operatingthe fastener. Some fasteners may also be difficult to use or operate, ormay be complex or expensive to manufacture. Some fasteners may also notbe aesthetically pleasing, or may be difficult to integrate into anotherstructure.

[0004] Hence, this invention is related to fasteners having a variety ofimproved features. Such fasteners and methods for their use aredescribed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a fastenerassembly that comprises both a frame element and a clasp. The frameelement has a pair of opposing sides and a shaped opening extendingbetween the sides. The clasp has a base and a pair of spaced apart armsextending from the base. One of the arms is an attachment arm having arelease through hole and an attachment through hole that is adapted toreceive a strap. The other arm is a coupling arm having a shaped detentthat is aligned with the release through hole and is configured to fitwithin the shaped opening of the frame when the arms are placed adjacentthe sides of the frame element.

[0006] In operation, the arms are moved away from each other, and theclip is moved over the sides of the frame until the detent snaps withinthe opening. A strap is also attached to the attachment through hole.The strap may then be used to lift the frame element. To remove thestrap from the frame element, the detent is accessed through the releasethrough hole, and the detent is pressed to release the clasp from theframe. In one aspect, the attachment through hole is elliptical ingeometry. In this way, the strap slides along the through hole to anequilibrium position when lifted by the strap.

[0007] In one arrangement, the clasp is constructed of a rigid materialso that the arms are biased to a locking position. With thisconfiguration, the arms may be distanced from each other to permit theclasp to be moved over the frame element and then to permit the detentof the coupling arm to snap into the shaped opening of the frameelement. In another aspect, the release through hole may be positionedbetween the base and the attachment through hole. In this way, a strapmay be attached to the clasp without interfering with the operation ofthe clasp.

[0008] In a specific aspect, the frame element may have a bottom beneaththe opening such that the base is beneath the bottom when the clasp iscoupled to the frame element. In this way, if the detent isinadvertently released when the frame element is being lifted, the basewill catch the frame element so that it is not dropped. Conveniently,both the opening and the detent may be D-shaped in geometry, althoughother shapes are possible.

[0009] In a further aspect, the frame element may include a recess thatis adapted to receive at least a portion of the attachment arm. In thisway, the clasp may be integrated into the shape of the frame element,with the attachment through hole extending above the frame element sothat the strap may be coupled to the clasp.

[0010] In another embodiment, the invention provides a baby holdingdevice that comprises a seat that is adapted to hold a baby, and atleast two legs extending from the seat. At least one clasp is removablycoupled to the seat, and at least accessory is coupled to the seat bythe clasp. Examples of such accessories include toy bars, handles, toys,a restraint to suspend a bottle, a canopy or shade device, and the like.Hence, in one aspect, a toy bar may be used to position a toy over theseat.

[0011] In one aspect, the seat comprises a frame and a padded fabriccover coupled to the frame. Further, the clasp may couple the toy bar tothe frame. The clasp in one aspect may be constructed similar to theclasp previously described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a clasp according to theinvention.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a front view of the clasp of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the clasp of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the clasp of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a frame element that isadapted to receive the clasp of FIG. 1 according to the invention.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of one embodiment of a babyrocker having the clasp of FIG. 1 according to the invention.

[0018]FIG. 7 illustrates the baby rocker of FIG. 6 with one embodimentof how toy bars may be coupled to the clasps according to the invention.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of the baby rocker of FIG. 6 witha padded fabric cover removed.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a side view of the baby rocker of FIG. 8 with the paddedfabric cover removed.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a front view of the baby rocker of FIG. 8 with thepadded fabric cover removed.

[0022]FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the baby rocker of FIG. 8with the padded fabric cover removed.

[0023]FIG. 12 is an inside side view of a rail connector of the babyrocker of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The invention provides exemplary fasteners, fastener systems andmethods for their use. The fasteners may in some applications be usefulwhen lifting objects by placing part of the fastener beneath the object.In this way, if the fastener is inadvertently released or detaches, thefastener is still able to catch and hold the object. Also, the fasteneris easy to operate by simply pressing a detent to release the fastener.Further, the fastener is able to integrate itself into the overallstructure of the object to which it is attached so that it looks like anintegral part of the structure.

[0025] The fasteners may be used in essentially any type of applicationwhere one object needs to be removably coupled to another. The fastenersare especially useful when connecting a strap, a webbing, a handle orthe like to the object. In one particular application, such fastenersare particularly useful in applications where the object is to belifted. More specifically, the fastener may include a base that ispositioned beneath the object. In this way, if the detent isinadvertently released, the base remains beneath the object so that theobject is not dropped.

[0026] The fasteners may be used when lifting a variety of objects. Forexample, the fasteners may be used when lifting packs, bags, purses,containers, and the like. The fasteners may also be used in applicationswhere the object is not intended to be lifted. For example, thefasteners may be used to couple a toy bar to a baby carrier, babyrocker, baby bouncer, baby seat, or the like. Such toy bars may not beintended to be used as a handle, and specific instructions and warningsmay be provided to the user to not lift the object using the toy bar. Ifthe warnings and unheeded, however, the fasteners are designed such thatit will not fail, even if the object is lifted in such a manner.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, one embodiment of a clasp 10 willbe described. Clasp 10 comprises a base 12, an attachment arm 14 and acoupling arm 16. Arms 14 and 16 extend upwardly from base 12 and arespaced apart from each other. Arm 14 contains a release through hole 18and an attachment through hole 20 above release through hole 18.Attachment through hole 20 is used to permit a strap, rope, webbing,handle, or the like to be coupled to clasp 10. Through hole 20 mayconveniently be elliptical in geometry so that the strap may slide to anequilibrium position if the strap is used to lift the clasp.

[0028] Coupling arm 16 includes a shaped detent 22 that faces arm 14 andis used to snap within a corresponding opening in a frame or otherobject to which clasp 10 is intended to be coupled. Through hole 18 isgenerally opposite to detent 22 to permit clasp 10 to be released from aframe by putting a finger or other object through through hole 18 andpressing detent 22.

[0029] As best shown in FIG. 4, clasp 10 is in a home position. Clasp 10is constructed of a resilient material, such as a plastic,acrylic/nylon, Delrin, or the like, so that arms 14 and 16 may befurther separated from each other when coupling clasp 10 to anotherobject. For example, shown in FIG. 5 is a frame element 24 having arecessed portion 26 for receiving clasp 10. Within recessed portion 26is a shaped opening 28. With such a configuration, clasp 10 may becoupled to frame element 24 by further separating arms 14 and 16 andplacing frame element 24 between the arms 14 and 16. When detent 22 isaligned with opening 28, the arms 14 and 16 move to the home positionwhere detent 22 snaps into opening 28. Conveniently, detent 22 andopening 28 are both D-shaped so that detent may easily fit withinopening 28, while being difficult to inadvertently release. Althoughshown with a D-shape, it will be appreciated that other shapes may beused as well, such as triangles, squares, circles, rectangles, and thelike.

[0030] In the home position, arms 14 and 16 are separated by a distancethat is approximately the same distance as the thickness of frameelement 24. Because the distance between detent 22 and arm 14 is lessthan the thickness of frame element, arms 14 and 16 must be moved awayfrom the home position when coupling clasp 10 to frame element 24 asjust described. Further, arm 16 is bowed slightly inward to facilitatethe projection of detent 22 into opening 28 when coupling clasp 10 toframe element 24.

[0031] Conveniently, recessed portion 26 may be recessed approximatelythe same distance as the thickness of arm 14 so that arm 14 is generallyflush with frame element 24 when clasp 10 is coupled to frame element24. Further, frame element 24 may be curved toward its top end so thatthrough hole 20 is accessible when clasp 10 is coupled to frame element24.

[0032] To remove clasp 10 from frame element 24, a finger or object isplaced through through hole 18 to remove detent 22 from opening 28.Clasp 10 is then pulled away from frame element 24. Conveniently,through hole 18 may also be elliptical in geometry to match the shape ofthrough hole 20.

[0033] When clasp 10 is coupled to frame element 24, base 12 ispositioned just beneath a bottom edge 30 of frame element 24. As such,if a strap or handle is attached to clasp 10, and frame element 24 islifted, base 12 serves as a safety mechanism if detent 22 isunexpectedly released. More specifically, base 12 is designed to engagebottom edge 30 so that frame element 24 will not drop as detent 22disengages.

[0034] Multiple clasps may be placed at different locations on an objectto permit one or more straps, handles, ropes, strings or the like to beremovably coupled to this object. For example, two clasps could be usedto couple a handle to an object to be carried. To remove the handle, theclasps are simply removed.

[0035] One non-limiting example of how clasps 10 may be used to coupleitems to an object is illustrated in FIG. 6 and 7. In so doing, it willbe appreciated that clasps 10 may be used for other applications aspreviously described. Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a baby rocker 32 thatcomprises a seat 34 and a pair of rocker legs 36 and 38 (see also FIG.8). Seat 34 is constructed of a frame 40 that is covered with a paddedfabric cover 42 that may include elastic or resilient edges tofacilitate coupling to frame 40. Four clasps 10 are coupled to frame 40.Optionally, a padded head roll 44 having an opening 46 for receiving theback of the baby's head may be placed on padded fabric cover 42. Headroll 44 may be constructed as generally described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/662935, filed Sep. 15, 2000, the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference.

[0036] In use, a baby is placed in seat 34 such that the baby's headrests in opening 46. Typically, the baby's feet will not extend beyondframe 40. If desired, the baby may be rocked simply by pushing down orlifting up one end of rocker 32.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 7, a pair of toy bars 48 and 50 are coupledto clasps 10. Toy bars 48 and 50 are coupled to clasps 10. Toy bars 48and 50 may be constructed of a flexible material or a more rigidmaterial that is permanently formed into the shape shown. Conveniently,toy bars 48 and 50 may be covered with a fabric cover 52 and may bejoined together by a fabric loop 54. Extending from covers 52 are straps56 that extend through through holes 20 in clasps 10. Straps 56 may beconstructed of a variety of materials, such as fabrics, nylon webbing,and the like. Further, straps 56 may be permanently attached to clasps10, or may be removable. For example, straps 56 may comprise a pair offabric strips that are removably joined together, such as by a knot, bya hook and loop fastener material (such as VELCRO), snaps, and the like.However, to enhance safety, straps 56 may comprise a single loop that isintegrally formed with or securely coupled to bars 48 and 50 or covers52. Although, not shown, attachment mechanisms may be used on bars 48and 50 to permit one or more toys to be attached to bars 48 and 50 wherethey will hang above seat 34.

[0038] Further, it will be appreciated that other numbers and/or typesof toy bars may be used. For example, toy bars such as those describedin copending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/679139, filed Oct. 3, 2000,and 09/802097, filed Mar. 8, 2001, may be used. These disclosures areherein incorporated by reference.

[0039] Although not intended to be carried or lifted by toy bars 48 and50, through holes 20 are elliptical so that straps 56 may easily move asrocker 32 reaches an equilibrium position when rocker 32 is lifted usingbars 48 and 50. In this way, tipping of rocker is generally prevented.Further, it detents 22 inadvertently release from frame 40 base 12 willengage frame 40 so that rocker 32 will not fall. If toy bars 48 and 50need to be removed, detents 22 may be released simply by pressing themthrough through holes 18 and pulling down on clasps 10 as previouslydescribed.

[0040] In FIGS. 8-11, rocker 32 is shown with padded fabric cover 42removed. As best shown in FIG. 8, frame 40 includes recesses 60 intowhich clasps 10 are placed. In this way clasps 10 are generally flushwith frame 40 except where through holes 20 extend above frame 40.Further, frame 40 includes a set of openings 62 that include tabs 64.This arrangement permits straps on the underside of padded fabric cover42 to be coupled to frame 40. To remove padded fabric cover 42, thestraps are simply disengaged from tabs 64.

[0041] Coupled between legs 36 and 38 are two rails 66 and 68. Rails 66and 68 are movably coupled using coupling mechanisms 70 so that rails 66and 68 may be pivoted to different positions. As such, rails 66 and 68may be used to limit the degree of rocking. For example, as arm 66 ismoved closer to the surface upon which legs 36 and 38 rest, the amountof backward tipping of rocker 32 is reduced. This also happens with arm68. In the position shown in FIG. 8, full rocking movement is permitted.In some cases, arms 66 and 68 may be moved fully below legs 36 and 38 sothat legs 36 and 38 do not touch the ground. In this way, all rocking isprevented.

[0042] Coupling mechanism 70 comprises a hub 80 that is rotatablycoupled to a molded feature 82 in arms 36 and 38. Shown in FIG. 12 is aninside view of coupling mechanism 70, and more specifically of feature82. Feature 82 includes a central opening 72 that receives a screw sothat hub 80 may be rotatably coupled. In turn, hubs 80 are coupled toends of the arms 66 and 68 so that the arms may pivot. Also included area set of through slots 74 into which a rib within each of hubs 80 isreceived depending on the position of the arm. Hence, arms 66 may inthis example be moved to four stable positions where the arms are lockedin place. Coupling mechanisms 70 that are associated with arm 68 may beconfigured to permit arm 68 to move to three positions.

[0043] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes ofclarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastener assembly comprising: a frame elementhaving a pair of opposing sides and a shaped opening extending betweenthe sides; a clasp having a base and a pair of spaced apart armsextending from the base, wherein one of the arms is an attachment armhaving a release through hole and an attachment through hole that isadapted to receive a strap, and the other arm is a coupling arm having ashaped detent that is aligned with the release through hole and isconfigured to fit within the shaped opening of the frame when the armsare placed adjacent the sides of the frame element.
 2. An assembly as inclaim 1, wherein the clasp is constructed of a rigid material, andwherein the arms are biased to a locking position and are configured tobe distanced from each other to permit the clasp to be moved over theframe element and then to permit the detent of the coupling arm to snapinto the shaped opening of the frame element.
 3. An assembly as in claim1, wherein the release through hole is positioned between the base andthe attachment through hole.
 4. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein theattachment through hole is elliptical in geometry to permit movement ofthe strap within the attachment through hole such that the frame elementreaches an equilibrium position.
 5. An assembly as in claim 1, whereinthe frame element has a bottom beneath the opening, and wherein the baseis beneath the bottom when the clasp is coupled to the frame element. 6.An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the opening and the detent are bothD-shaped in geometry.
 7. An assembly as in claim 1, wherein the releasethrough hole is sized sufficiently large to receive a finger, wherebythe detent is releasable from the opening by moving a finger through therelease opening and pressing the detent.
 8. An assembly as in claim 1,wherein the frame element includes a recess that is adapted to receiveat least a portion of the attachment arm.
 9. A method for attaching astrap to a frame, the method comprising: providing a frame having a pairof opposing sides and a shaped opening extending between the sides;providing a clasp having a base and a pair of spaced apart armsextending from the base, wherein one of the arms is an attachment armhaving a release through hole and an attachment through hole, and theother arm is a coupling arm having a shaped detent that is aligned withthe release through hole; moving the arms away from each other andmoving the clip over the sides of the frame until the detent snapswithin the opening; and attaching a strap to the attachment throughhole.
 10. A method as in claim 9, further comprising accessing thedetent through the release through hole, and pressing the detent torelease the clasp from the frame.
 11. A method as in claim 9, furthercomprising lifting the strap to lift the frame, with the base beingbeneath the frame.
 12. A method as in claim 9, wherein the attachmentthrough hole is elliptical in geometry, and wherein the strap slidesalong the through hole to an equilibrium position when lifted by thestrap.
 13. A baby holding device, comprising: a seat that is adapted tohold a baby; at least two legs extending from the seat; at least oneclasp removably coupled to the seat; and at least one accessory coupledto the seat by the clasp.
 14. A device as in claim 13, wherein the seatcomprises a frame and a padded fabric cover coupled to the frame.
 15. Adevice as in claim 13, wherein the accessory comprises a toy bar that isadapted to position a toy over the seat, and wherein clasp couples thetoy bar to the frame.
 16. A device as in claim 15, wherein the frame hasa pair of opposing sides and a shaped opening extending between thesides, and wherein the clasp has a base and a pair of spaced apart armsextending from the base, wherein one of the arms is an attachment armhaving a release through hole and an attachment through hole to whichthe toy bar is coupled, and the other arm is a coupling arm having ashaped detent that is aligned with the release through hole, and whereinthe arms are adjacent the sides of the frame element and the detent isdisposed within the shaped opening of the frame.
 17. A device as inclaim 16, wherein each leg is curved as has a pair of ends that are eachcoupled to the seat.
 18. A device as in claim 17, further comprising apair of rails coupled to the legs.
 19. A device as in claim 18, furthercomprising a set of coupling mechanisms to couple the rails to the legs,wherein the coupling mechanisms include detents to permit the rails tobe moved to selective positions.
 20. A device as in claim 14, whereinthe frame includes a plurality of slots to which the padded fabric coveris coupled.
 21. A device as in claim 16, wherein the release throughhole is positioned between the base and the attachment through hole. 22.A device as in claim 16, wherein the toy bar includes a strap that iscoupled to the attachment through hole.
 23. A device as in claim 16,wherein the attachment through hole is elliptical in geometry to permitmovement of the strap within the attachment through hole as the devicemoves to an equilibrium position when lifted using the strap.
 24. Adevice as in claim 16, wherein the frame has a bottom beneath theopening, and wherein the base is beneath the bottom when the clasp iscoupled to the frame.
 25. A device as in claim 16, wherein the openingand the detent are both D-shaped in geometry.
 26. A device as in claim16, wherein the release through hole is sized sufficiently large toreceive a finger, whereby the detent is releasable from the opening bymoving a finger through the release opening and pressing the detent. 27.A device as in claim 16, wherein the frame includes a recess that isadapted to receive at least a portion of the attachment arm.